Premier League: Mark Hughes reluctant to change winning Stoke side

Midfield stalwarts Stephen Ireland and Charlie Adam are both available, but Hughes is reluctant to change the side that started last weekend's impressive 4-1 win at Aston Villa.

Ireland was ineligible to face his parent club under the terms of his season-long loan deal from Villa, while Adam has completed a three-match suspension for his stamp on Olivier Giroud.

But Hughes has hinted that both could start on the bench as the Potters chase a third consecutive victory.

"Charlie and Stephen have trained really well over the past week or so, so they do come into my thinking, but the lads who have been in the side over the past week or two have performed exceptionally well," Hughes said.

"It's a difficult one for me given the options that are available, although that is a nice problem to face to be perfectly honest with you.

"It's a good position to be in because we have a lot of players who are desperate to play and a lot of players who are performing to a very good standard on matchdays too."

Winger Oussama Assaidi is unlikely to be risked as he closes in on a return from a knee injury, but defender Erik Pieters has been passed fit.